benztropine (Cogentin)

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

GENERIC NAME: benztropine

BRAND NAME: Cogentin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Benztropine is an oral and injectable synthetic
medication. It is structurally similar to atropine (AtroPen) and diphenhydramine
(Benadryl). Benztropine has anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergic drugs block
the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter (chemical) that nerves use to
communicate with other nerves.

In Parkinson's there is an imbalance between levels of dopamine and
acetylcholine neurotransmitters. Benztropine helps restore balance by blocking
the action of acetylcholine in the central nervous system (brain and spinal
cord). Benztropine may also block the uptake and storage of dopamine in the
central nervous system (CNS),
resulting in the prolongation of the effects of dopamine. Benztropine was
approved by the U.S. Food and Administration (FDA) in 1954.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS:

Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

Solution for injection: 1 mg/ 1 ml

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15 C to 30 C
(59 F to 86 F). Injection solution should be stored at controlled room
temperature between 19.44 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Benztropine is used for the management of drug induced
extrapyramidal disorders (except tardive dyskinesia). It is also used for the
treatment of Parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease (movement disorder).